Particularly if you live alone, you may think a lot about how to make your home environment safer. Don’t be afraid! Take these easy steps to feel much better. Read on and learn all there is about home security.

Always have the locks changed when you buy a new home. The previous owners or tenants might have made several copies of the key. Having a locksmith replace the locks will ensure that no strangers have a key. Do the same thing if you misplace your keys.

Buy a safe and use it to hold all of the valuables in your home. This is important, since you don’t want your valuables exposed to a potential intruder. Keep the safe hidden in a hard-to-find location like an attic or a basement closet.

When in the process of purchasing a home-security system, be sure to comparison shop. Prices vary quite a bit. Before choosing which company to go with, ask for quotes from a minimum of three companies.

Make sure that you hide your spare key in a good spot. Placing a key above a door or under a doormat is quite obvious! Hide your alternative key on your dog’s collar.

Consider the advice of your friends when selecting your home security company. Other people will probably have personal experience with these companies that are either good or bad. They can share their experiences with you, which will greatly assist you in making the best decision. Do your research; it will help you make a good decision in the end.

Don’t overlook your garage as a potential access point for thieves. Many people are concerned about people entering their garages to gain access to their homes. You can use a C-clamp to secure the door and prevent it from being opened by strangers.

Place your valuables in cut-outs in your walls. Don’t make it obvious by cutting out big chunks of drywall. There are many spots in your home that already have areas that are pre-cut. Remove the wires from an electric socket you do not use so you can hide your valuable jewelry.

Keep the wires of your home security system hidden. One of the ways an intruder can get around a security system is by disconnecting or cutting the wires. Make it hard for intruders and bury the wires or hide them inside your walls, if possible. You’ll be safer.

Before you let security company representatives into your home, check their ID. Having the name of the technician coming to your house ahead of time can help to ensure you are allowing someone who really works for the company into your home. Don’t allow this to happen, as it is a direct threat to your house and its contents. Trust your gut and if something does not feel right, it is okay to go with your feelings.

Check references before giving anyone access to your home. A background check may also be a good idea. It is impossible to know if the newly hired maid or one time repairman might be a crook unless you check them out. Providing them with your key might be the biggest mistake you’ve ever made.

Whenever you sign with a home-security company, it is important that you thoroughly read the contract. There could be fees for terminating the contract early or acquiring additional equipment down the road. You are going to want to avoid these kinds of hidden fees, so know about them up front.

A reputable security company will send a representative to your home to design a custom system. There are always going to be unique things about your home as well as your specific needs, so make sure you think about these things. Most companies will create an individual plan to meet your needs so you can have a high level of security to assure your peace of mind.

Before you go shopping for a home security system, take a moment to think about your specific situation and unique requirements. While these systems are great and can help protect your family, they are not necessary for everyone. Sometimes you may just want to invest in a dog or self-defense classes. Know what you want and make your decisions based on that.

If you come home and see your door ajar, never investigate it alone. This is very dangerous due to the fact that the thief can still be inside your property. Call the authorities and let them take care of the situation.

It might be time to get yourself a paper shredder if you haven’t already gotten one. Many thieves sift through trash for personal info and to figure out when you plan to be away. Rip important documents in small pieces before throwing them away if you do not have a paper shredder.

Ask whether companies offer options to lease or buy your security equipment. Buying outright costs a lot more in the beginning, but one time costs might lower or eliminate some monthly fees that add up over time. You’ll pay higher monthly fees if you lease the equipment, and that will add up over time. Think about both options before making a decision.

Do not keep the registration papers for your car inside the car’s glove compartment. These valuable documents provide criminals with information about your home location. You should keep them on your person, or find another place in your vehicle to hide them. They must still be easily accessible should you be stopped by police.

If you turn lights off and on at the same hours each day, you should use a timer. This will ensure that they turn on and off when you can’t be at home.

Make sure you have the curtains drawn if your windows are faced toward the street. There is no need to have outsiders looking into your living room. If criminals can clearly view what’s going on in your house, it makes it easier for them to commit crimes. Make sure you’re discreet concerning your belongings so you can keep your chances of being robbed at a minimum.

You don’t need to install an expensive security system to make your home safe. Many affordable solutions are available to you. Keep these tips in mind to feel safer in your home.